Introduction One common manifestation of pride is comparing ourselves to others. We are never content with who we are, what we have, where we live. There is always someone in front of us who has it better than us. Rod Stewart Some guys have all the luck. Some guys have all the pain. Some guys get all the breaks. Some guys do nothing but complain. Woo woo woo… However, a fair comparison, takes eternity into account. In that light: No […] The post Judgment Begins at the Household of God (1 Peter 4:17-19) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Amos has warned the deaf nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. We’ve seen the first three of five visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (1-3) Judgment of Fire (4-6) The Plumb Line (7-9) The Lord relented from destroying Israel after Amos intercedes in the first two visions. However, there is no such relief mentioned regarding the vision of the Plumb Line, which dealt with the ground of judgment. In tonight’s passage we see a confrontation between […] The post A Prophet Vs. A Priest (Amos 7:10-17) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction This is the final section of the body of the letter (2:11-4:11). This section forms an inclusio with 2:11-12. The resurrection (3:21) has brought into being the final stage of Redemptive History. The end is just as near today. We remain in that same stage which culminates in a future judgment (vv.5-6). Continue to live with eternity in view. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter is preparing his readers for trial (4:12), not suggesting their escape from it. What makes […] The post To Him Belong Glory (1 Peter 4:7-11) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Peter is concluding his application of the principle that Christians are called to live different, yet exemplary lives. Their goal is to live at peace with everyone. Last week, we considered characteristics and conduct that build fellowship within the covenant community (inward). This week shifts to an outward focus. Read 1 Peter 3:13-17 We will be prepared to make a defense and maintain a good conscience when Christ is set above everyone and everything else. When Christ is preeminent […] The post Prepared to Make a Defense (1 Peter 3:13-17) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament > woe. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. Amos has been addressing a self-righteous people who are not hostile to the Word of God, but indifferent about its impact upon their morality. They have become unthinking in their worship and indifferent in their morality. Read Amos 6:8-14 Common theme: reversal of expectations (1:2; 2:9; 3:2; 3:12; 4:1-3; 5:3; 5:13; 5:18-23). The people are still not responding! God has, in no uncertain terms, made his condemnation of […] The post Divine Judgment (Amos 6:8-14) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

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Introduction Peter has been addressing those in submission to authority. Until now, he hasn’t addressed those in authority. Maybe he sees the additional attention this relationship needs. If marriages suffer, because of Christianity, their witness will suffer more than with any other relationship. Now, finally…we get to address the husbands! Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 “Happy wife, happy life”? Peter/Holy Spirit, exhorts the Christian husband to have an exemplary marriage. Main idea in 1-6: How a wife relates to her husband […] The post The Consideration of an Exemplary Husband (1 Peter 3:7) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Peter’s instruction to wives and husbands falls within a section (2:11-3:16) of exhortation to live lives that compliments Christianity in a pagan culture. Christian citizens and servants were to respect authorities (2:14-20). Likewise, wives are to respect their husbands (3:1-6). Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 The pattern of Peter’s exhortation: Reverence For God > Submission to Husband (1-2). Beauty Before God (Affirmation) > Adorning with a gentle and quiet spirit (3-4). Hope In God > Obedience, respect, doing good, and […] The post The Courage of an Exemplary Wife (1 Peter 3:5-6) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. They possessed no moral character and looked forward to the Day of the Lord assuming it would favor them. Had they lost their salvation? Alec Motyer But to whom was Amos speaking? Even the most casual reading of his book reveals his hearers as a church which had confused assurance with complacency. They not only professed salvation but also an unworried certainty of salvation (cf. 5:14, 18). Their lifestyles as […] The post Religious Reformation (Amos 5:21-27) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Introduction Entire section (2:11-3:16) about living a life that compliments Christianity in a pagan culture. Civil authorities (2:14-17) and servants (2:18-20). Christ’s suffering (2:21-25) serves as the foundation for all of this exhortation. Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 Mother’s Day. What do we cherish most about our mothers? Isn’t it the way they have devote their lives to loving us? We treasure not their looks, but their character! Peter exhorts women to focus on their internal character rather than what the […] The post The Character of an Exemplary Wife (1 Peter 3:3-4) appeared first on Grace Clovis Presbyterian Church (PCA).